The rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is quickly becoming the most intense one, taking over the India vs Pakistan mantle. Playing in the BAN vs SL 2nd T20I, yet another controversial moment happened. With Bangladesh well set at 28/0 and chasing 166, Soumya Sarkar edged a short ball to the wicketkeeper.
Even before the Sri Lanka team could celebrate, Sarkar sent the decision upstairs. While one could hear a noise when the ball passed the bat, it looked like the noise wasn’t from the bat, with clear daylight between the bat and ball. Following intense scrutiny by the third umpire, the decision was reversed, and Sarkar was declared not out.
The decision seemed to have infuriated the Sri Lankan team, while the Bangladeshi crowd celebrated. Led by skipper Charith Asalanka, the whole team gathered around the on-field umpires. Bewildered by the decision, the Lankans weren’t ready to accept it, and even their head coach, Chris Silverwood, seemed unhappy with the call.
Following a long discussion, the umpires finally told the Sri Lanka team to continue. Begrudgingly, the Lankans went on and eventually got Sarkar out for 26.
Sri Lankan coach on controversial decision
After the match was over and Sri Lanka suffered an 8-wicket loss, their assistant coach, Naveed Nawaz, challenged the third umpire’s decision. He said:
“The on-field umpire had given him out and I am sure the TV umpire got to have conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field umpire’s decision. We haven’t seen the footage or anything like that but it was clear that there was a spike, we saw it on the big screen and we might have to take it up to the match referee and see what actually happened there. The footage that we have got on our screens were not enough to say anything but I am sure the TV umpire had evidence to overturn the decision.”
“I mean it was big issue and the first wicket and it could have given us a head start. Obviously on a track like this any wicket is crucial,” Naveed further added.
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